Home Inspector 2025

A high school diploma or GED, general liability insurance, and errors and omissions insurance are often required in most states before you may become a professional home inspector. You may be required by some jurisdictions to pass a national exam or complete a predetermined number of ride-along inspections with certified real estate inspectors.

The annual wage for a house inspector ranges from $30,000 to $90,000.

Property inspectors search for damage and possible problems in areas of a home that are easily accessible and visible, both inside and outside. This includes mechanical systems like the plumbing and HVAC as well as structural elements like the foundation, floors, staircases, walls, and ceilings.

Home inspectors are not permitted to provide prospective homeowners with any information on the market worth of their property.

• Complete 110 hours of home inspection training that has been certified by TREC.
• Complete 84 hours of state-mandated coursework. Step
• Send TREC your application and certifications.
• Within a year of submitting an application to TREC, take the national and state licensing exams. The State test has 30 questions, whereas the National exam has 200 multiple-choice questions.

The foundation, roof, attic, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and any related decks or porches are often examined by the inspector. Additionally, he will check the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems. Remember that the inspector only looks at what is open and visible.

• Finish the 120-hour ATI Certification Course of recognized academic coursework.
• Florida’s state government has given our Master Online Training Course full approval.
• For the National Home Inspectors Exam, ATI Training offers you tens of thousands of practice questions and exams.
• Take out liability and E&O insurance.
• Get a background check and fingerprints taken before applying for your license.

• Enroll in a home inspection training program to earn your certification. In California, it is highly advised that you pursue certification as a house inspector.
• The National Home Inspector Exam should be passed (recommended).
• Take out liability insurance.

For most people, getting the appropriate training and gaining the required practical experience takes two to three months. Enrolling in an ATI Training program can help you gain the field and entrepreneurial skills necessary to work for yourself and make a ton of money within months.

One of the most crucial phases of the house-buying process is the home inspection. The price may range from $300 to $500, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. However, hiring a home inspection is often a wise investment for purchasers.

To fulfill the education and experience criteria for licensure, applicants must complete a 120-hour pre-licensing training program recognized by the Board as well as an 80-hour field training program. The NC Board has authorized the 120-hour online, 120-hour in-person, and 80-hour field training programs offered by InterNACHI.

Usually, this has happened a year after the examination. During the selling and purchase of a home, another sort of home inspection fraud could take place.

• Enroll in a course to become a home inspector. Realtors and house owners in Michigan like working with licensed home inspectors.
• Consider taking the National Home Inspector Exam (Recommended) Utilize ATI’s practice test to adequately prepare for the NHIE.
• Select Insurance, then begin earning.

The country’s greatest side job, without a doubt. Average earnings per inspection are $500.

• Take a home inspection training course that has been approved. With any of ATI’s courses, you may get your certification to work as a competent home inspector.
• Take the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) and pass it.
• Participate in Live Field Training.

You must be able to pass the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE). The NHIE is where you must register for the test: PSI Online: Test Takers’ One-Stop Shop (psiexams.com) The exam provider should issue you a certificate attesting to your passing the NHIE exam.

• Obtain Training. The state does not impose any educational prerequisites for license. To learn more about house inspection and get ready for the necessary examinations, it is still a good idea to enroll in a training course.
• General liability or errors and omissions insurance protection.
• Perform 100 paid inspections while being supervised by a qualified inspector.

A 70-hour pre-licensing course recognized by the state and completing 25 house inspections while directly supervised by a licensed or certified home inspector are prerequisites for becoming a licensed home inspector in Virginia.

Home inspectors scan clearly apparent, reachable areas of a house, both inside and out, for damage and possible problems. The foundation, floors, stairs, walls, and ceilings are structural elements, as are the plumbing and HVAC systems.

Depending on the amount of skill you want, home inspection training might cost anywhere between $1,000 and $3,500. A prudent person would further investigate this sector before making the investment.

The short answer to whether you may file a negligence claim against a home inspector is yes. You have the option of taking legal action if they are unable to discover what injured you or another person.

In Texas, a house inspector makes an average of $43,000 a year. In Texas, home inspector wages may range from $18,000 to $103,500 and are based on a number of variables, including experience, employer, incentives, tips, and more.

• All house inspectors in Alabama are required by the Alabama Division of Construction Management to earn a license. Home inspectors must complete 35 in-person home inspections, 25 draft inspection reports, 120 hours of Alabama. Approved Home Inspection Education, sit for and pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE), as well as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) exam, in order to become licensed. The exam has four hours to be completed, and each try costs $225. To maximize the likelihood of passing on the first try, an exam preparation course is advised. All home inspectors working in Alabama are required to have liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 coverage, at least $250,000 in coverage for errors and omissions, and at least $20,000, $50,000, and $100,000 in coverage for property damage and personal injury/death, respectively.
• A high school graduation and one year of experience performing house inspections are also required from applicants, as well as proof of participation in an industry association that has been certified for that purpose. The application price is $300, and it must be notarized before being submitted.

In California, a house inspector can expect to make an annual income of $137,197. 

Complete a 72-hour on-site home inspector training course that has been authorized by the Commission, and supply a report with the results of the National Home Inspector Examination attesting to your achievement.

A 90-hour pre-licensing course that has been recognized by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, passing the National Home Inspector Exam, and having liability insurance are all requirements to become a licensed home inspector in Tennessee.

The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board-approved 90-hour pre-licensing course, the National Home Inspector Exam, and liability insurance are all requirements for becoming a licensed home inspector in Oklahoma.

Finish a course of study that has been authorized by the Division of Licensing Services of the Department of State and has a minimum of 140 hours. 40 of those hours must be spent performing unpaid field inspections under direct supervision, or the applicant must have passed the National House Inspector Examination and done at least 100 home inspections (either paid or unpaid) under direct supervision.

• Complete a degree. A high school diploma or a GED is required.
• Finish your classroom instruction. 140 hours of classroom instruction in house inspection are required.
• Finish your field training.
• Utilize the NHIE.
• Purchase liability insurance.

Home inspectors will always be in demand as long as real estate properties are purchased and sold.

No matter what the house inspector missed or how severely they screwed up, according to that phrase, they are not responsible for any damages that exceed the cost of the inspection.

• Finish a 60-hour home inspection course approved by Illinois.
• Carry out five dummy home inspections.
• Take the Illinois Home Inspector Exam and pass it.
• Pay the $250 fee and apply for an Illinois home inspector.

Home inspection pays well, and you may simply increase your revenue. The quantity of money you can earn annually has no upper limit. Everything is dependent on how many house inspections you wish to conduct each week.

The amount of money you can make isn’t hardly limited. Increase your income by performing more house inspections — the average salary is $70,000 per year, but you may easily earn much more. You may still develop a high-income side company even if you begin off as a part-time house inspector that inspects a few properties each month.

Unlike movers or appliance deliverymen, tipping a house inspector is optional; it is not, however, customary or anticipated. 

Florida pays a $39,000 yearly average wage for house inspectors. In Florida, home inspector wages may range from $16,500 to $75,000 and are influenced by a number of variables, including as experience, employer, company bonus, tips, and more.

Candidates must pass the National Home Inspector Exam, complete 90 hours of home inspection instruction that has been approved by the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors (LSBHI), and submit to a background investigation and fingerprinting. Each try costs $225 for the 200 multiple-choice questions that make up the exam’s three main domains. Exam preparation classes are advised to improve the likelihood of passing on the first attempt. The Louisiana Home Inspection Board (LSBI) mandates that candidates complete an application, a $200 application fee, 30 hours of practical field training, 10 actual home inspections, a seminar on standards of practice and report writing, and verification of E&O and general liability insurance. If someone doesn’t pass, they have to wait 30 days before trying again.

Obtain E&O and Liability Insurance, pass the NHIE, complete a Home Inspector Training Course to become certified, and purchase Home Inspector Software to launch a new career.

A license or 20 points of experience are required by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board to work as a home inspector. This entails passing the National Home Inspector Exam, paying the $150 application fee, and obtaining 20 points of experience or 60 hours of education that have been recognized by Oregon. There are 200 multiple-choice questions on the exam, and they are divided into three primary areas or divisions that every house inspector should be familiar with. The exam lasts for four hours, and each try costs approximately $225. (depending on your location). If someone doesn’t pass, they have to wait 30 days before trying again.

All home inspectors in South Carolina are required to receive licenses by the state’s Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. In order to do this, candidates must finish a 120-hour home inspection course that has been approved by the state of South Carolina, pass the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE) or a test unique to that state along with the South Carolina Business Management and Law Exam, enroll in an exam preparation course, submit a background check if they have any prior convictions, pay the $80 application fee, and submit an application for a home inspector license.

Each and every home inspector must receive a license from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. They must finish a 60-hour home inspection course that has been certified by the state, followed by a 12-hour field training period, to be able to conduct this. They must attempt and successfully complete 200 multiple-choice questions covering three key categories in order to pass the National Home Inspection Exam. The GI Bill offers reimbursement to veterans who take the exam. When applying for reimbursement from the VA, home inspectors must fill out a VBA-22-0803-ARE. Along with paying the $50 charge and completing 32 hours of CE per year, they must also show proof of general liability insurance coverage for at least $100,000.

Be cautious when asking real estate agents for recommendations when picking a house inspection and conduct your own investigation instead. Before your home inspection, enquire about sample inspection reports and how to decide whether add-on tests are necessary.

Many of the home inspectors you can choose from in most places will offer the same services on paper. Before choosing a candidate, do an interview with them using the questions and standards listed below to locate a top-tier inspector who offers a thorough and extensive house inspection.

Complete the 80 hours of pre-licensing education, protection from general liability or errors and omissions insurance, and pass the NHIE exam. Take and pass the American Society of Home Inspectors Standard of Practice Exam for Home Inspectors.

• It is important to inquire about their qualifications and experience. Ask them how long they have been conducting home inspections and ask for proof of licensing from regulatory bodies or associations such as ASHI or NACHI. Make sure that they meet any requirements or regulations in your area regarding home inspections.
• You should also find out what sort of report the inspector provides after completing an inspection so you can evaluate their work correctly once it’s done; some offer a checklist-type format, while others might give more comprehensive written reports, including pictures taken during the inspection itself; compare these options between different inspectors and choose accordingly based on which one best suits your needs.
• Finally, remember to ask about pricing – pre-inspection agreements may save time and money if there are parts of the house that would require more detailed scrutiny than basic areas could receive during an average evaluation session from one day alone.

To practice as a house inspector in Massachusetts, you must obtain a license from the Board of Registration of Home Inspectors. Students must complete five inspections in nearby residences as part of their 75-hour supervised inspection requirement, which corresponds to themes on the NHIE. 200 multiple-choice questions make up the 200-item National Home Inspector Exam, which costs $225 for each try. Veterans who take the exam are entitled to financial assistance under the GI Bill. The most crucial requirements are that candidates must finish a VBA-22-0803-ARE and submit it to the VA for reimbursement, carry out 25 supervised home inspections, undergo a background check, show proof of errors and omissions insurance totaling at least $250,000, submit a passport-sized photo, pay the $338 fee, and send in their notarized application.

To become an InterNACHI Home Inspector, a state application, 120 hours of classroom education, mentorship, a written exam, and a state fee are necessary.

Home inspection education in Kentucky An inspector must be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or its equivalent in the GED, finish a board-approved training program, pass a board-approved exam, and submit a completely filled out application.

Although working as a home inspector in Idaho does not require a license, professional home inspection training is crucial to learning business procedures and building a reputation as a reliable authority. Test takers must enroll in an Exam Prep course and spend $225 for each attempt in order to pass the National Home Inspector Exam. 

All home inspectors in Connecticut are required to receive a license from the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection. A high school diploma, evidence of completion of a board-approved training program, payment of the $220 application fee, submission of a notarized application, and completion of 100 home inspections, of which 10 must be supervised, are requirements for becoming a home inspection intern. A general liability insurance policy with a minimum limit of $250,000 and an errors and omissions (E&O) policy with a minimum coverage of $50,000 are needed for a Connecticut home inspector’s license. Speak to a certified local insurance agent or compare insurers online to obtain the best deal. Apply to Become a Connecticut Home Inspector by Paying the $290 Application Fee and Submitting a Notarized Application. Pass a written test given by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

A person can be both, as nothing stands in their way. Most places allow you to legally work as an appraiser or a house inspector.

A home inspector may hold more than one state’s required licensing to conduct house inspections. However, if you intend to provide services in another state, you should research the license requirements of that state before starting your firm to make sure you meet them.

It is not unusual for a buyer to make an offer on a house, include an inspection as a condition of the deal, and then have the inspector discover unauthorized home improvements.

A single-family home inspection typically costs between $300 and $500; the current national average is $337. The location and size of the residence are only two examples of the many variables that might affect this number.

Entry-level home inspectors often make just about $50,000 annually, according to zip recruiter. As a self-employed certified home inspector, you can earn the highest compensation.

Home inspectors typically make $37.93 per hour, or $78,900 per year. Average full-time earnings for a self-employed home inspector range up to $100,000 annually.

Although a license is not needed in Colorado to operate as a home inspector, getting the right training from a recognized institution is essential to knowing business procedures and building a solid reputation as an authority. Each attempt on the 200 multiple-choice questions that make up the National Home Inspector Exam costs $225 and covers three primary domains. Veterans who take the exam are entitled to reimbursement under the GI Bill, but they must fill out a VBA-22-0803-ARE and submit it to the VA along with their receipt in order to get payment. In Colorado, networking is crucial if you want to work as a house inspector. Joining the Colorado Chapter of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors is a terrific opportunity to learn from more seasoned members and get going more quickly.To shield oneself from legal action, buy general liability and/or errors and omissions insurance plans. To obtain experience and a continuous stream of leads, register your company or join a multi-inspector firm. In the lucrative and thrilling world of home inspection, there is no wrong way to achieve success.

To practice as a home inspector in Arizona, you must obtain a license from the state board of technical registration. The 84 hours of training you must complete cover the same material as the National Home Inspector Exam (NHIE). There is a 4 hour time limit to pass the exam, and each retake costs $225. After passing the exam, veterans must conduct 30 parallel inspections in order to be eligible for GI Bill reimbursement. The most crucial requirements are that you maintain a log of 30 parallel inspections, obtain an Arizona Department of Public Safety Clearance Card, show proof of insurance, complete an Arizona Statement of Citizenship and Alien Status for Public Benefits form, disclose any prior disciplinary actions, charges, or convictions, pay a $175 application fee, and take and pass the National Home Inspector Exam.

Every state or province has its own certification or licensing criteria, and some states or provinces do not license or otherwise control house inspectors.

Regular home inspections typically do not look for asbestos, as you might expect. The reason why most home inspectors don’t look for asbestos is frequently that they aren’t specially trained to do so and aren’t licensed to do so.

No. Although the majority of home inspectors are competent to check for and spot termite activity, the two inspections are noticeably different and have different objectives. Additionally, the licensure requirements for termite inspectors and house inspectors vary by state. Due to restricted chemicals, termite inspectors are given a certain license that enables them to treat the house if termites are found.

One must pass a state-approved 70-hour pre-licensing course and conduct 25 house inspections while being closely supervised by a qualified or certified home inspector in order to become a licensed home inspector in Virginia.

40 hours of home inspection training must be completed with a DSPS-approved education provider. Take the WI State Inspector Exam and pass it. Apply for registration with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services after passing the national home inspectors exam.

Becoming certified in-house inspection requires a lot of schooling, testing, and practical training. This is not to argue that the process is challenging; it will require time and effort to complete it correctly.

Any unlocked closets will be examined by home inspectors. They will simply perform a visual inspection, though. The house inspector won’t move any heavy objects from the closet.

40 hours of instruction, ATI Anytime Online Exam Prep, 25 Field Inspections, passing the Structure Exam, and license application.

Understanding business procedures and establishing yourself as a trustworthy expert require professional home inspection training from a recognized home inspection school. The next stage in becoming a reputable expert is passing the National Home Inspector Exam. Veterans who take the exam can get their costs covered by the GI Bill. Success in Utah requires networking, building relationships, and joining trade organizations. Increased credibility, a sense of belonging, maintaining current with industry standards of practice, access to marketing tools, free business resources, and the possibility to buy general liability and/or errors & omissions insurance are all advantages of joining a professional home inspector association. Speak to a certified local insurance agent or compare insurers online to obtain the best deal. It’s time to launch your own home inspection company or join an established multi-inspector firm after passing the NHIE.

To help you stand out from the crowd and establish a solid reputation for your Pennsylvania home inspection firm, AHIT offers a 120-hour course on Pennsylvania house inspections. You must do at least 100 home inspections, pass the National Home Inspector Exam, join a national, non-profit home inspector group, and show verification of the necessary insurance coverage in order to be licensed as a home inspector in Pennsylvania. In order to assist you pass the exam on your first attempt, AHIT provides a variety of exam preparation tools.

Arizona’s average income for a residential home inspector is $77,941, but the range is normally between $66,954 and $87,825.

The 25th percentile is $42,830.

A typical home inspection costs between $250 and $500, and most inspectors can finish at least two inspections each day. It is possible for an inspector to make between $125,000 and $250,000 a year if they work 50 weeks a year in this capacity.

In only one state is it categorically prohibited by law to certify convicts as home inspectors. The majority of states assess house inspector credentials on a case-by-case basis, so as long as you meet other qualifications, you can become a home inspector even if you have a conviction.

Unfortunately, our society is quite litigious, and home inspectors are not exempt. Inspections typically go off without a hitch. Yet occasionally, something goes wrong. In those situations, the buyer is more likely to try to sue the inspector for allegedly ignoring an issue. However, an inspector may occasionally be sued by a seller. Though uncommon, it does occasionally occur. 

A house inspector is also a real estate broker. There is no restriction on working in both fields. However, having a real estate broker do the house inspection as part of the same transaction can be viewed by some as a conflict of interest.

Home inspectors must verify that plumbing fixtures drain properly and record any backups or slow drains. A septic system examination may be advised if there are any wet patches or areas of standing water in the surrounding region.

The standard house inspection ought to include a sewer line inspection. While they won’t perform this examination, your “home inspector” will check things like a sump pit and sump pump. The general inspector may make a referral to a sewer line specialist.

Home inspectors will eagerly go onto your roof to check for missing or warped shingles as well as the condition of the gutters and flashing.

Naturally, Saturday is a busy day for house inspectors, at least in the area, so missing work is likely to cost you clients in addition to money.

To work as a home inspector in Illinois, you must have a license from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. You must pass the Illinois Home Inspector Exam, finish a 60-hour course that has been approved by the state of Illinois, conduct five practice inspections, and pay a $250 application fee to obtain the license.

For house inspectors, a $1 million general liability insurance policy typically costs $47 per month or $564 annually. This home inspector liability insurance cost estimate is based on the assumption that you employ 5 people and earn between $500,000 and $750,000 annually.

Investigate water filtering systems. Inspection of drains, supply lines, and fixtures. thorough examination of all exposed, above-ground pipes, including the traps and shut-off valves under sinks in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area.

Maine’s State-Recognized Home Inspection Courses are crucial for passing the National Home Inspector Exam and establishing credibility. 200 multiple-choice questions covering three major areas cost $225 per attempt. Exam Prep courses improve first-time pass rates. The GI Bill reimburses exam-taking veterans. The most important requirements for home inspectors are to complete a VBA-22-0803-ARE and submit it to the VA for reimbursement, network, join professional associations in Maine, purchase general liability and/or errors and omissions insurance, register their business or join a multi-inspector firm, and pass the NHIE. Home inspection is a rewarding and fascinating career with no wrong route.

Mississippi Home Inspector Board licensees must finish a 60-hour Mississippi Home Inspection course. To avoid career-ending litigation, NHIE exam takers must take an Exam Prep course and show proof of $250,000 general liability. Mississippi house inspectors must pay $175 application and $325 license fees, submit an application to the Mississippi Home Inspector Board, and provide a copy of their high school or college transcript/diploma.

To become a home inspector in Iowa, you need professional training from a reputed school. Next, pass the National Home Inspector Exam to become a trusted expert. The GI Bill reimburses exam-taking veterans. Iowa success depends on networking, relationships, and professional associations. Home inspection associations offer continuing education, credibility, feeling of community, standards of practice, marketing resources, free business resources, Code of Ethics, and general liability and/or errors and omissions insurance. Talk to a licensed local insurance agent or compare rates online to obtain the best quote. Start a home inspection business or join a multi-inspector firm after passing the NHIE. Home inspection success has no wrong way.

Alaska home inspectors must pass the state exam and apply to the state.

The U.S. and Canada have just approximately 30,000 house inspectors.

Both short-term and long-term radon tests are carried out by home inspectors. While long-term testing last for a number of months, short-term tests last for two days. The best testing procedures will be suggested by qualified house inspectors, who will also evaluate, interpret, and report the results.

A house inspector is not required to look for mold. Most people won’t go out of their way to check for evidence of water damage or potential mold problems, but they will mention them if they do.

Surface sampling and air sampling. Both sorts need to be examined by a licensed laboratory. The neighborhood health office may be able to test the mold samples.

An inspector can do a lead-based paint test, and a risk assessor can look for hazards.